It's November 21 and my Christmas lights are hung.
Thank goodness for the efficient team known as "The Lite Guys" who called me two weeks ago to set up the date. Turns out this is the first time the twinklers have been up before Thanksgiving!
I am so excited because this is, for me, the single best way to kick off the holiday season. I LOVE the lights and all the accoutrements that go with decorating for Christmas or Chanukah or Kwanzaa, whatever you celebrate. This is the time of year when we seem to let our hearts soften a bit and we remember to give thanks and appreciate the ones we love.
It is also the beginning of what can surely be defined as blissful chaos. Try as we might, planning ahead for things like Christmas shopping and filling out cards, often is just a thoughtful idea. Most of us scramble around in a frantic state of panic trying to complete all of the tasks on our lists. That's if we are lucky enough to remember to make one! We should look to dear old St. Nick...he works on his list all year long!
Making lists are essential for me, but I sometimes forget what is most important...making my list of priorities. All this being said, one of the things at the top of my personal agenda is trying to remain focused and get back on track with writing. It seems that everyday distractions like my kid getting a lollipop stuck in her hair or the boy needing a ride to some friend's house can completely derail any attempt at actually putting words to thoughts and thoughts to paper...well alright, a computer screen really.
So I wonder, is now the time of year to think about resolutions instead of January first? Well that's such a confusing word, it sets us up for disappointment almost immediately because the connotation associated with a "resolution," is that it's almost always something that we dread doing.
Instead, why not focus on the positive aspects and potential changes that a resolution can make in our lives. We can start by redefining what the word resolution means to us. Changing the terms, conditions and meaning is one way. For example we can make small daily resolutions that are much easier to stick to rather than overwhelming plans for massive changes over the course of a year.
For me, perhaps it means that I resolve to be easier on myself when I don't write. Maybe I give myself a little more slack if when I do write, it's not absolutely perfect. Maybe I let myself enjoy the mere fact that I have taken the time out of my busy life to nurture my soul and spirit by doing something I love to do. Maybe it means that I set some attainable goals and forgive myself if I don't reach them, and then keep trying anyway.
What kind of resolution are you setting for yourself? Maybe you want to smile more, get up 15 minutes earlier, stop caffeine, start making lists or maybe it's just to cut yourself a little slack in life. Whatever it is, try to make it something you will feel both satisfaction and joy when trying to accomplish your intention. And forgive yourself if you don't meet the desired goal, and just keep on truckin' along.
So today, make a tiny resolution, one that you're sure you can keep. Today, resolve to give yourself a hug and remember all the wonderful qualities that you have. Remember that this is the season of caring which also means caring for yourself. Remember that the holidays are about so much more than gifts and crowded shopping malls. Channel your inner Clark Griswold, hang those lights (or call The Lite Guys) and remember to enjoy the all the vivid illuminated splendor of the garish over-the-top holiday decor that only comes around this time of year!
And now I bid you adieu and it is with great anticipation that I await thet sun setting so that I can see my own Christmas lights twinkling and sparkling in the cool winter night...
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